Don Harrod Receives Prestigious AMP Seven Hats Award

COLUMBUS, OH: Don Harrod, Village Administrator of the Village of Minster, is the 2025 recipient of the AMP Seven Hats Award.

The award was announced during the 2025 AMP Annual Conference, which took place Sept. 22-24 in Columbus.

The AMP Seven Hats Award — modeled after the American Public Power Association’s national Seven Hats Award — was introduced in 1984 to recognize utility managers who serve smaller communities of less than 2,500 meters, and whose management duties extend well beyond the scope of a manager in a larger system. Award winners demonstrate skills in seven areas: planning and design, administration, public relations, field supervision, accounting, personnel or employee direction, and community leadership.

“The AMP Seven Hats Award is one of the greatest honors that AMP can bestow on a Member official,” said Dave Carroll, CEO of Paducah Power System and Chair of the AMP Board of Trustees. “Don Harrod sets a strong example for all of us in public power and his long-standing dedication to the Village of Minster is deserving of recognition and praise. I’m honored to present this award to Don on behalf of the AMP Board of Trustees and thank him for his service to public power.”

The Village of Minster is a small community with 1,554 electric meters located in western Ohio. Harrod has served the Village of Minster for 32 years, and in his role as Village Administrator, he oversees all of the village’s utility services.

Under Harrod’s leadership, the Village of Minster has undertaken numerous infrastructure improvements projects. These projects have included improvements to the village’s electric distribution system, various energy initiatives, water system infrastructure upgrades and more. He works closely with civil engineers and architects to ensure that these projects are technically sound while also aligning with the village’s aesthetic characteristics.

“This is a team. It’s not just me, it’s a team that does this,” Harrod said, accepting the award and crediting his colleagues from the Village of Minster who came to the awards banquet to see him receive the award. “All these guys up here are part of that team, and without them, I couldn’t do what I do. So, thank you very much.”

Over his long tenure, Harrod has become a well-known fixture in the community, a respected leader among village staff, and a reliable source of knowledge and direction for elected officials. His outstanding leadership skills extend well beyond the confines of the village. Harrod also serves as Minster’s delegate to the Auglaize County Regional Planning Commission and is a member of the Community Improvement Corporation, where he provides strategic planning direction and expertise in the area of economic development and helps to protect the long-term interests of the village.

“One cannot forget the consistency that we have had over the past 32 years,” said Minster Mayor Craig Oldiges. “Having Don as the pillar of the village has truly been amazing. Knowing that mayors and council members come and go, the one thing that has been consistent over that time frame has been Don, and it shows.”